‘The prospects for civil engineers are so extensive’
Dimple Parmar is a site engineer apprentice at Laing O’Rourke, studying civil engineering site management at the University of Exeter
Dimple has already achieved engineering technician (EngTech MICE) professional qualification with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) as part of her apprenticeship and is working towards becoming an incorporated engineer with ICE (IEng MICE). Dimple was awarded the NCE Degree Apprentice of the Year 2021.
Why did you choose a degree apprenticeship?
I received offers from really good universities and had never really considered an apprenticeship. Studying and getting a degree was very important to me.
But when I came across a degree apprenticeship, which meant I could get a degree from a Russell Group university as well as gain experience, it was hard to justify going to university as a full-time student. I knew I always had the option to go to university if all went horribly wrong, but I never looked back!
What have been the highlights of your apprenticeship?
Looking at where I am and thinking “if I didn’t take this opportunity, I wouldn’t have all this practical knowledge that I do now. I wouldn’t have the network that I’m already building, and I certainly wouldn’t have the experience,” and so much more.
It’s the fact that I can gain this experience as an engineer, but also be a university student alongside it while I get my degree. I’m able to spend two weeks on campus in Exeter and experience “uni life”, go to lectures and go out with friends from my course. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.
What is a typical day like?
Every day is different from the next, being a site engineer.
The balance between being on site and in the office varies, especially with the project I’m currently working on where it’s weather dependent.
On site, I need to ensure that everything is ready to go for a productive and smooth day ahead. This includes setting out (translating design to physical space), carrying out quality checks, looking out for all things health, safety and environmental, and liaising with suppliers and the different teams.
In the office, I need to prepare for upcoming works by writing methods and procedures, reading draw